Educational Talent Search is a federal grant, sponsored by the U.S. Department of
Education, created as part of the Higher Education Act of 1965. It joined Upward
Bound, which emerged from the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. In 1968, Special
Services for Disadvantaged Students, now known as Student Support Services, was authorized.
The term "TRiO" was coined to describe these programs.

Educational Talent Search identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic,
career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate
from high school and continue on to complete their college education. ETS assists
participants in obtaining financial aid along with completing the postsecondary application
process.

Housed on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Monroe, TRiO Programs-Educational
Talent Search has been providing services to students in northeast Louisiana for the
past thirty years. Currently the program is funded to serve 826 students in twelve
schools throughout three parishes. Services include workshops in study skills; information
and assistance regarding student financial aid; assistance in completing college admissions
and financial aid applications; information on postsecondary education; exposure to
college campuses; career exploration activities; workshops designed to help students
succeed in high school and prepare for college; and workshops for the families of
participants.

Additionally, the staff works closely with the administration of each school offering
assistance.